Janelle McQueen Appointed NBL First Persons and Multicultural Liaison

The Hungry Jack’s National Basketball League (NBL) is pleased to welcome Janelle McQueen as the league’s First Persons and Multicultural Liaison.

Janelle will lead the implementation of the NBL’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), including reporting to the RAP Working Group and Reconciliation Australia. She will also play a pivotal role in the development of future initiatives as the NBL progresses through Reconciliation Australia’s Workplace RAP Framework.

A proud Wiradjuri woman from central New South Wales, Janelle brings decades of experience in Indigenous program management and community engagement to the NBL. She has also worked in professional sport with the Gold Coast Titans (NRL), Brisbane Lions (AFL) and other teams.

Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “After an extensive search, we are delighted to welcome Janelle to the NBL.

“Janelle will play a critical role at the NBL as we continue to evolve and implement our Reconciliation Action Plan. The RAP Working Group also welcomes Janelle’s appointment and looks forward to working closely with her.

“Janelle will work closely with league management as well as our clubs and players, while supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pathways for emerging talent across Australia.

“Janelle has a strong understanding of the importance of preserving Indigenous culture in sport at the professional and grassroots levels and we look forward to her expertise guiding us through this journey.”

Janelle said: “I’m so excited to join the NBL in what is a very important new role.

“My desire to learn more about our Aboriginal culture came from my mother Iris Clayton, who was a respected Aboriginal elder who worked at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies before taking up employment with the local Aboriginal medical centre.

“I take a family approach to all of my work and I look forward to doing that at the NBL. The NBL has already begun its Reconciliation Action Plan journey and has implemented positive initiatives such as Indigenous Round and strengthening pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the NBL at such an important time for the league. Basketball is a very multicultural sport and has a strong Indigenous history with a number of Indigenous players, coaches, referees, staff and volunteers all involved in the sport.

“I can’t wait to help lead the NBL through its Reconciliation journey while also ensuring the strength and stability of future pathways.”

To view the NBL’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, click here